Page 156 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

154 BACK ROADS NORThERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

PaRCO DELL’aVETO
6 Pentema
This is an important protected area Genoa; 16029
of mountain peaks, beech woods Still very much the isolated mountain
and glacial lakes, famous for its large village it has always been, Pentema
number of insectivorous plants.
The park office in Borzonasca can clings to the hillside, stone houses
supply maps and information and sheds fronting steep cobbled
about walks and hikes in the area. streets and steps. At Christmas, the
Via Mallè 75a, Borzonasca 16041; 0185 village is much visited for its presepe,
343 370; www.parks.it/parco.aveto which consists of much more than
the Christmas crib. Yellow numbers
painted on the walls direct pilgrims
on a journey through more than
40 life-size tableaux, reflecting all
WHERE TO sTay
aspects of 19th-century village life
PENTEMA and crafts, culminating in the Nativity
Locanda Al Pettirosso inexpensive scene. Many of these can actually be
This rustic locanda/trattoria, set in the seen all the year round.
remote little mountain village in the ª Head back towards Torriglia until undemanding walk (see website
Parco dell’Antola, offers three pretty meeting SP15-1, then turn left towards for suggestions). A wooded path,
rooms and a cosy place to eat. Propata. Turn right just before a following old mule tracks, skirts
Località Pentema 3, 16029; 010 944
802 tunnel, following signed to Lago del the arms of the lake close to the
Brugneto and park near the dam. water, while other trails lead to
AROUND FONTANIGORDA waterfalls and an old mill.
Due Ponti inexpensive 7 Lago del Brugneto ª From the lake, follow signs for
The peaceful location – surrounded by Genoa; 16025 Montebruno, turning left at SS45.
pines, with the River Trebbia lapping
at the bottom of the garden – makes Lush terraced meadows, groves of Carry on along SS45, signed Piacenza,
this a welcoming hotel. It has a good hazelnut, beech and chestnut and turn right onto SP17 after Loco, then
restaurant and bikes are available. Via horse-logged wood are hallmarks turn left onto SP18 to Fontanigorda.
Nazionale 2, Loc. Due Ponti, (3 km/2 of the Parco dell’Antola (www. There is plenty of parking available.
miles before Loco on SP45) 16023; 010 parcoantola.it), which encompasses
958 12; www.hoteldueponti.it
the arms of Lago di Brugneto. An Below The Baia di Silenzio and the harbour at
BORZONASCA artificial lake constructed in 1959 Sestri Levante Bottom left The peaceful,
Agriturismo Casa del Bosco to provide water for Genoa and wooded countryside around Lago del Brugneto
inexpensive Piacenza, the lake makes a good Bottom right One of Fontanigorda’s 13
This 19th-century villa has undergone stopping point for a peaceful and pineapple-topped fountains
a quality refurbishment and overlooks
vine and fruit terraces, and a stream
with waterfalls. It is eclectically furnished
and can serve lunch and dinner, too.
Loc. Prato di Caregli 44, 16041; 340 728
4206; www.agriturismocasadelbosco.it
SESTRI LEVANTE
Villa Agnese moderate
On the outskirts of town, this modern
and eco-conscious hotel has light, airy
rooms and a relaxing garden. Expect
organic produce for breakfast.
Via alla Fattoria Pallavicini 1A, 16039
(close to Sestri Levante exit of A12); 0185
457 583; www.hotelvillaagnese.com
Grand Hotel dei Castelli expensive
For a luxurious stay, head up to this
1920s cliff-top castle-hotel. The spacious
rooms are filled with antiques and
pictures, and outside there are gardens,
a sea-water pool and roof-top terrace.
Via Penisola di Levante 26, 16039; 0185
487 020; www.hoteldeicastelli.it
Other options
The Hotel Helvetia (Via Cappuccini 43,
16039; 0185 41175; www.hotelhelvetia.
it) is close to the beach and has a shuttle
parking service to the edge of town.

BRNI_152-159_CatDrive15.indd 154 02/09/14 2:15 PM